World Cup celebration in Germany raucous but peaceful

BERLIN — Fireworks erupted across Berlin as cars draped with the red, yellow and black German flag took to the streets honking wildly as the German victory became clear. Even after an astounding win against Brazil earlier this week, most here didn’t believe a World Cup win could happen.

“There was heightened enthusiasm of course after the Brazil win,” said Andreas Kipp of Berlin, watching the game with hundreds of others in one of the many viewing areas set up across the city. “But people were being realistic – Argentina is a very different team than Brazil,” he added, noting significant losses to Argentina in prior World Cup tournaments.

In the viewing centers, spectators cheered as the goalie hugged Chancellor Angela Merkel. And ordered new rounds in anticipation of the cup being awarded.

As the cheering continued, there was even some analysis of the game, amid the euphoria.

“It was a really even game — basically both teams won – which made it a really great game,” said Kipp. “There is a lot of happiness here.”